Physical and mechanical properties and the use of lesser-known native Silver Lime (<i>Tilia argentea</i> Desf.) wood from Western Turkey

Abstract

Turkey including its native wood species with high commercial value are recognised internationally. This work presents information about physical and mechanical properties and the use of lesser-known native wood species. This article’s aim is to familiarize wood expert outside Turkey with the wood of Silver Lime by comparing its physical and mechanical properties with some of the world’s most recognized hardwood species. The sample trees were harvested from a mixed oak-hornbeam- Silver Lime stand, western part of Turkey. Conventional destructive methods were followed on small clean specimens. Silver Lime wood’s air dry (526), oven dry (504) and basic (415 kgm-³) densities were determined. Fiber saturation point was calculated as 32.287%; volumetric shrinkage and swelling were found as 13.398 and 20.401%; while bending strength (MOR), modulus of elasticity (MOE), compression strength parallel to grain, impact bending, tensile strength parallel and perpendicular to grain, shear strength, cleavage strength, Janka hardness values (parallel and perpendicular to grain) and surface roughness (Ra) value were determined as 72.026 N/mm², 5206.026 N/mm², 50.531 N/mm², 6.708 J/cm², 90.521 N/mm², 2.692 N/mm², 11.742 N/mm², 0.598 N/mm², 0.636 and 0.569 kN, and 9.051 (μm), respectively. Further research should be used to determine the properties and suitable end uses of lesser known species that are likely to be beneficial to the country.

Key words: Tilia argentea Desf., Silver Lime, wood properties, density, surface roughness.